Popular Spots in Atlanta

Seniority Rules: Our Guide To Kickin' It Old-School In Atlanta

We're all about the experimental, the creative, the cutting-edge. But when it comes down to it, there is nothing quite like the experience of setting foot in a frozen-in-time restaurant that's been steadfastly doing its thing for decades. You know the places: where the atmosphere, the recipes, and often even the clientele haven't changed for a half-century, maybe more. Places where the people-watching is just as good as the food itself. In a city where it's tough for restaurants to stick it out for five years, the few and the proud doing their thing for multiple decades deserve a tip of the hat. From fried chicken shacks to "Goodfellas-worthy" Italian joints, here are just a few of our favorite places where the old-school vibe is firmly intact. (Ordered by ascending seniority, of course:)

La GrottaOpen Since: 1978Known For: Real-deal risotto served up in a subterranean dining roomWhy We Still Love It: There's just something rare and special about discovering award-winning fine dining in the basement of a mid-rise condo building.

Alfredo'sOpen Since: 1974Known For: "the Godfather," a formidable platter of veal in three stylesWhy We Still Love It: With white tablecloths, old-school wood paneling, and jacket-clad waiters who've been there for years (if not decades), the place hasn't changed a lick since its '70s inception.

McKinnon'sOpen Since: 1972Known For: Old-school Creole dishes to the tune of live piano music on the weekendsWhy We Still Love It: The food, y'all. There's a reason the city of New Orleans issued the original owner an "Honorary Citizen Certificate." (Check it out in the doorway if you don't believe us.)

Nino's CucinaOpen Since: 1968Known For: Old-school recipes from the Amalfi Coast, many named after family membersWhy We Still Love It: While words like "traditional," "romantic," and "authentic" are always used (accurately) when talking about Nino's, one Yelp reviewer sums it up best: "Goodfellas-worthy." 'Nuff said.

The Busy Bee CafeOpen Since: 1947Known For: Serving up some of ATL's best fried chicken out of a tiny joint in the West EndWhy We Still Love It:Atlanta magazine says it best: "In its honest simplicity, it embodies all the qualities that make Southern fried chicken timeless."

The MajesticOpen Since: 1929Known For: Milkshakes, burgers, and various other forms of "food that pleases" (especially at the tail-end of a long night)Why We Still Love It: Excellence in after-hours people-watching; an iconic neon sign that attracts hungry night-owls like moths to a flame

The ColonnadeOpen Since: 1927Known For: Legendary fried chicken; equally celebrated coconut cream pieWhy We Still Love It: A steady stream of regulars who've been dining there since Franklin D. Roosevelt was in office

Atkins ParkOpen Since: 1922Known For: Being Atlanta's oldest continually operating tavernWhy We Still Love It: A still-kicking late-night scene after all these years. Really, Atkins, you don't look a day over 70!